Bruce Smith

Bruce Smith Bruce Smith, Eugene attorney, died peacefully after a long and heroic battle with the paralyzing effects of a hemorrhagic stroke. Bruce was the son of John B. and Roma Smith of Stockton, Kansas. Bruce had a wonderful childhood in a small town in western Kansas. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas in 1958. He later served as a Lieutenant in the Air Force in Intelligence and obtained his J. D. degree from the University of Oregon School of Law, graduating first in his class of 1965 as a Paul Patterson Fellow and Editor-in-Chief of the Oregon Law Review. After graduation Bruce was an associate of Brophy, Wilson & Duhaime in Medford, Oregon. After a few years in Medford, Bruce returned to Eugene where he practiced independently. In 1971, he joined the law firm that became Cass Scott Woods & Smith. Later in 1993, attorneys from the firm merged and formed Gleaves Swearingen Larsen Potter Scott & Smith LLP. During his distinguished legal career, Bruce specialized in litigation, communications law, labor law and alternative dispute resolution. He was known for his work in First Amendment law, championing the rights of every person to a fair trial, and mentoring junior associates generously from his experience. Bruce was a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and of the American Bar Foundation. He was listed in Woodard/White, The Best Lawyers in America, in the Business Litigation category. He was a member of the American Inns of Court, arbitrator of the American Arbitration Association and mediator for the U.S. Arbitration and Mediation Service. During his career, Bruce served on various Oregon Bar boards including the Board of Governors (1982-1985); Board of Directors, Professional Liability Fund (1987-1992) and as its President in 1992; Board of Directors, Oregon Law Foundation (1993-1996) and as its President in 1996. At times, he worked as a Circuit Judge, Pro Tem. In 2010, Bruce was honored as one of Oregon’s outstanding trial lawyers in Oregon. Bruce also volunteered for 30 years for Legal Aid of Lane County and was an active member of the Downtown Eugene Rotary. For many years he sat on the board of Parenting Now (Birth to Three). Bruce was a great lover of jazz, travel, poetry, fly-fishing, downhill skiing, golfing, and tending his garden. On Sunday evenings, Bruce would challenge himself in the fine art of gourmet cooking and prepare dinner for his family and friends. Although he had no training as an architect, he designed the beautiful home and garden that he and his wife occupied for much of their marriage. Bruce is survived by many beloveds: his wife Susan Warner Smith; his son Nathan Smith and partner Sau Yee; his daughter Jennifer Rich and her husband Ron Rich; his granddaughters Pascale and Petra; his step-son Simon Rentner and granddaughter Sofia Rose; his sister Martha Lewis and her husband Robert Lewis M. D.; his nephew Eric Lewis, wife Kathalijne and their daughters Olivia and Marie; his niece Jill Lewis; his nephew David Lewis and daughter Gwyneth. His first wife, Gayle Harper, preceded him in death. Bruce considered a host of beloved friends as part of his extended family. A memorial bonfire gathering for family, friends, and associates to tell Bruce Smith stories will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 3 – 6 PM. For information, directions and to RSVP to attend the gathering, email [email protected]. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Parenting Now (Birth to Three) at 86 Centennial Loop, Eugene, Oregon 97401. Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com